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Research

The physicians and scientists in OHSU's Health Promotion and
Sports Medicine (HPSM) are recognized internationally as the experts in health
promotion research.

Although many understand what characterizes a healthy
lifestyle, taking steps toward being healthy is often easier said than done.
With over 25 years of grant funding from the National Institutes of Health,
HPSM researchers developed an award-winning team-based model proven effective
for instigating long-term health behavior change. By capturing the power of
people working together, our model successfully provides the motivation
and accountability needed to increase physical activity, healthful eating and
better stress management.

This ground-breaking research has changed the face of
health promotion programs across the country, transforming the health behaviors
of students, co-workers, healthcare providers, fire fighters, law enforcement
officers, and military personnel. HPSM's research programs are now active
in over 35 states in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and our researchers have
authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles.

Drawing on the medical resources of Oregon Health &Sciences University and our state-of-the art Human Performance Lab, the breadth
of our research collaborations stretches from inter-departmental OHSU clinical
trials to nationwide community- based research interventions focused on disease
prevention and healthy lifestyle modifications.

We are leading nationally recognized efforts in health promotion, including collaborations with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR). We have received awards from the US Department of Education, Health and Human Services and Juvenile Justice as well as Helping America's Youth and Sports Illustrated.

Current and Recent Studies

EXERTDr. Beth Smith is investigating the effects of exercise on patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

PHLAME (Promoting Healthy Living: Assessing More Effects)Dr. Diane Elliot lead several investigations into the health of fire fighters.

SHIELD (Safety and Health Improvement: Enhancing Law Enforcement Departments)Dr. Kerry Kuehl investigated a program to improve the health and safety of law enforcement personnel in Oregon and SW Washington.

DOC HEALTH (Department of Corrections: Helping Establish Activities for Lifelong Total Health)Dr. Kerry Kuehl with support from the Oregon Healthy Workforce Center designed and studied a wellness and safety program for Oregon Department of Corrections officers. Recipient of the 2014 Oregon DOC Director's Award.